Forest Excursions

Knysna Lakes Section

A superb example of Wet Highforest, an unusual forest-type with many examples of tall stinkwood (Ocotea bullata), kalander (Podocarpus jalca/us), wit-els (Pla/ylophus trifoliatus) and other tree species of the moister forest types. Short, circular walks traverse the area and an 800 metre trail for those in wheelchairs is route-marked. This site was first opened in 1926.

One of the most beautiful spots on the Southern Cape coast. Kranshoek offers the visitor cliff-top views of the coast and a warm, sheltered picnic site. There is even a stream, with frogs, for the children to play in.

The Big Tree, also known as the King Edward VII tree, is a famous landmark and visitor attraction near the Diepwalle Forest Station. This giant Outeniqua yellowwood (Podocarpus falcatus) tree is more than 800 years old and is one of the few giant trees left after the unsustainable method of tree harvesting was stopped in 1939.

If you venture into the mysterious Knysna Forest you will find, at its heart, the Diepwalle Section of the Garden Route National Park which is home to the Forest Legends Museum. The Museum tells forgotten stories of the hardworking Woodcutters, the mighty Knysna Elephant and of a forest with secrets which are still well kept.

Daleen Matthee based most of her books on the forest dwellers (human and animal) in the Knysna Forest. Start a 3 or 9 km walk from the famous Daleen Matthee Big Tree at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site. It follows small tracks and an old mining path along the bank of Forest Creek. The trail is in its entirety in high forest. Various forest types can be seen and the wet high forest is particularly scenic. Enjoy swimming in the water holes that make the walk perfect for a summer's day.

A lovely picnic spot on the banks of a creek in the Lush Knysna indigenous Forest. A day walk through the Old Mining Trails to an ice cold swimming hole. Enjoy the Secrets of the Forest, mineshafts, tunnels and other hidden wonders.

Tsitsikamma Section

Located in the short way west of the Paul Sauer Bridge along the N2 is The big Tree in the Tsitsikamma Forest, it stretches its distinctive Yellowwood leaves skywards, towering over the other trees in the
canopy. This oldest tree is estimated to be between 600 & 800 years old and 36.6 meters high. Explore the forest enjoying a 10 minute walk through the indigenous forest boardwalk.